Hutchinson Signals Willingness To Continue Ark. Medicaid Expansion Beyond 2016 — If Changes Are Made
The changes, however, would be a tough sell to the Obama administration. Meanwhile, news from Alaska details how some expansion opponents are turning to the courts to stop the state plan for implementation.
CQ Healthbeat:
Limited Medicaid Expansion Sought By Arkansas Governor
Republican Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson said Wednesday that he’s open to continuing the state's Medicaid expansion program, which serves 220,000 low-income residents, beyond its 2016 expiration if the state can make some sweeping changes that would be a tough sell to the Obama administration.
In a presentation to his state’s Healthcare Legislative Task Force, created earlier this year to consider changes to the program, Hutchinson outlined a seven-point proposal emphasizing cost-cutting and encouraging beneficiaries to work. (Evans, 8/20)
Alaska Public Radio:
To Stand A Fighting Chance, Anti-Medicaid Lawsuit Needs To Prove Irreparable Harm
Medicaid expansion is set to roll out in Alaska September 1st. It would offer health coverage to up to 40,000 very low-income adults who don’t have children. The lawmakers suing to stop expansion will ask a judge for a preliminary injunction. That would prohibit the state from implementing the program before the issue is decided in court. (Feidt, 8/20)
